Another Chance For The Brady Bill

July 14, 1993

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is supposed to be above politics. Nevertheless, its director is considering the unprecedented move of backing the Brady bill. This is one measure the nation's largest law-enforcement agency should weigh in on, because it could save agents' lives.

Support from the FBI could be the push the gun-control measure needs to break out of congressional limbo.

FBI Director William S. Sessions proposed endorsing the bill in a memo to his boss, Attorney General Janet Reno, on a six-point plan to combat violence committed by people using handguns. The Brady bill is named after the press secretary who in 1981 took a bullet in the head intended for President Ronald Reagan. It would impose a waiting period of five days on handgun purchases and mandatory police checks of buyers.

Congress has considered such a measure every year since 1988, but nothing has reached the president's desk. President George Bush vowed to veto it, but President Clinton has promised to sign it.

Now there is talk in Washington that the bill, reintroduced in February, may be thrown into an anti-crime bill and eventually killed.

There is speculation that the embattled Mr. Sessions is taking the unusual step of suggesting endorsement to curry favor with the White House. He is in hot water because of his unethical use of bureau vehicles and agents to run personal errands.

But FBI officials have long supported, informally, better handgun controls. Mr. Session suggests making it formal. Law-enforcement leaders, such as the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, are starting to speak out for more restrictions because their officers are finding themselves outgunned by criminals.

Now that the White House and FBI leadership appear to be of one mind on this aspect of gun control, Congress should get moving, too